The Hideout: A Hidden Gem in Germantown Owned by Fritz and Buzzard

The Hideout in Germantown: A Hidden Gem in Rural Iowa

In the small town of Germantown, Iowa, there is a hidden gem that has been serving up delicious food and drinks for decades. The Hideout, a restaurant and bar that opened its doors in 1950, has become a local favorite despite its lack of online presence.

Owned and operated by Nadine Stull, affectionately known as “Fritz,” and her partner Mike Rabe, or “Buzzard,” The Hideout is a place where time seems to stand still. The restaurant, which used to be a combination of a restaurant, grocery store, gas pump, and service garage in the 1940s, still retains much of its original charm.

Fritz, who used to work at a processing plant before taking over The Hideout in 2005, is the mastermind behind the restaurant’s famous broasted chicken. Visitors from around the world come to taste her perfectly breaded and fried chicken, cooked under pressure in a broaster.

The restaurant’s decor is a mix of inherited items and quirky additions, including a ceiling covered in crumpled dollar bills that will never come down. The bar, where Buzzard holds court, is a lively spot where customers can enjoy a cold beer or a margarita.

Despite its remote location and lack of modern amenities, The Hideout attracts visitors from near and far. A map of the United States on the wall is covered in pins, each representing a customer who has visited the restaurant. Pins from all over the country and even outside the U.S. adorn the map, showcasing the restaurant’s widespread appeal.

So, if you find yourself in Germantown, be sure to stop by The Hideout for a taste of Fritz’s famous chicken and a glimpse into a bygone era of small-town hospitality. It may be a little hole-in-the-wall out in the middle of nowhere, but it’s definitely worth the trip.